Pali Rajasthan Travel
Distance
: 78km south of Jodhpur
Once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins,
from whom the place gets its name, ancient Pali housed a highly
evolved civilization. The land was leased to the Paliwals by the then
chief of Mandore (the former capital of Jodhpur district), which they
cultivated diligently, abandoning their former priestly profession.
Being a hardworking and intelligent tribe they soon became wealthy and
were noticed by the chieftain of Marwar at the time, Raja Sheoji.
Wanting to replenish his treasury for the battles which lay ahead
Sheoji imposed a war levy on the inhabitants of Pali in 1243AD. This
they refused to pay, demanding exemption under the plea that they were
Brahmins. The furious king threw some of their leaders into prison in
retaliation, and passed an edict mandating punishment on every Pali
resident who did not cough up the war tax. Sheojis persecution
forced the Paliwals to flee, which they did lock stock and barrel to
Jaisalmer, until Pali resembled a ghost town.
¤ Palis Main Attractios
Today Palis chief attraction are three exquisite temples,
namely the Hatundi Rata Mahabir Temple, the Ranakpur Jain Temple and
the Surya Narayan Temple (the first has been covered under Pali, while
the other two have been covered separately under Ranakpur).
Major Circuits
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